In late pregnancy, which respiratory finding is a normal adaptation to accommodate the growing uterus?

In late pregnancy, which respiratory finding is a normal adaptation to accommodate the growing uterus?

• A. Elevated diaphragm with thoracic breathing.
• B. Decreased chest circumference.
• C. Decreased rib angle.
• D. Increased abdominal breathing only.

Answer: (A)

During late pregnancy, the growing uterus pushes the diaphragm upward, reducing the vertical space inside the chest. To keep ventilation adequate, breathing shifts toward the chest wall rather than the abdomen—the rib cage expands and the upper chest becomes more active during inspiration. This results in an elevated diaphragm with predominantly thoracic (chest) breathing. The chest circumference tends to increase as the ribs flare outward, and abdominal breathing is less prominent because the diaphragm is already elevated by the uterus.

During late pregnancy, the growing uterus pushes the diaphragm upward, reducing the vertical space inside the chest. To keep ventilation adequate, breathing shifts toward the chest wall rather than the abdomen—the rib cage expands and the upper chest becomes more active during inspiration. This results in an elevated diaphragm with predominantly thoracic (chest) breathing. The chest circumference tends to increase as the ribs flare outward, and abdominal breathing is less prominent because the diaphragm is already elevated by the uterus.